Wasn't sure if to post here or in Digital Home... Just upgraded my Comcast internet service as part of upgrading the entire Comcast package. Had 6mb internet service and upgraded to 8mb internet service. Using Numion'speed tester before the upgrade I was getting roughly 2.3mbps (which is kind of "up to" 6mb) and after the upgrade am still getting 2.3mbps. I see no gain in speed. Additionally I am supposed to now get "Speed Boost" with up to 12mbps on downloads. No such thing happening here. Naturally, I called Comcast whom reset the modem and confirmed I am provisioned for the 8 meg service and suggested that my (wired) router is possibly restricting my speed/service and recommended I connect the PC directly to the modem. The analyst also asked if I am using a firewall. Besides the router's I am not. I will be doing that shortly but in my opinion it is going to be a waste of time (I'll confirm or deny that later) as it is my belief that the hardware (router) could not possibly be slowing down the connection's speed as it is hardware. It will either pass the data through or it will not pass the data through it. Same would be true for a firewall. Sort of Open or Closed connection. Now, to my query... Can anyone confirm or deny my opinion as being true or false beyond a doubt? Thanks for reading, Bryan P.S. One might say to go ahead and try connecting directly to the modem and find out. I will but wanted those that are actually in the know to advise before I do.

I have had issues with a wired router in the past after my ISP changed something. I had to update the firmware in the router. Eventually I needed to buy a new router because DLink quit supporting my old model. In my case the issue was connectivity, not necessarily speed. I have found that connection speeds are relative. However, lately I found that PCPitstop's speed test takes out the normal bottleneck inherent in the net. I consistantly show higher thruput speeds when testing with PCPitstop than with any other. I use it to determine if there are problems with my ISP. Try it, pcpitstop.com. As far as connecting without a router or software fireewall is concerned, millions of folks do it constantly. Not something I would recommend, but for a short test you will PROBABLY be OK. Additionally you might want to see if there is a firmware update for your router.

OtheHill, Thank you for your reply. I have now connected directly to the modem and got >11mbps to my surprise using PC PitStop's Bandwidth tester (I had used it before the direct modem connect too). I reconnected the router and now back to a third of the expected speed again. Learned something new! I guess it is time to replace the router. I was thinking of getting a wireless one anyway. Thanks again for your feedback, Bryan

Try updating the firmware if an update is available. The tech support at DLink told me at the time that the ISPs don't really want you using a router so they keep making changes that cause the router manufacturer to write updated firmware. The migration to DOCSIS 3 is about to get underway. I suspect that will force the purchase of new hardware. I would hold off buying anything right now unless they guaranteed compatibility with DOCSIS 3. Look t the link below for info on DOCSIS 3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DOCSIS

A little follow up... Replaced the wired router with a Dynex Enhanced wireless G router (cheap). Set it up using Wep 128 bit. Connecting the PC via wire versus wireless I get 26 meg showing using PC Pitstop's and 13 meg using Numion's speed testers. Downloaded Sun Java (15.3Mb) in 12 seconds and it used to take 42 seconds using the old router. Comcast is only advertising "Up to 8Mb" and "Up to 12Mb on downloads" with the "Speed Boost". Real glad I got the new router. OtheHill, Thanks for the advise. Bryan

You are welcome. Other folks experience with that type of issue can be helpful because the ISP will usually deny any involvement. I don't know much about Wireless routers but one of my sons is in tech support and tells me you can still use them as a wired router too. That would be my preference if I had to use one. Especially if cabling is already in place.